A one-time password (OTP) delivered via text messaging is a string of characters that authenticates a user for a single login session or transaction. Typically, a system generates this unique code and sends it to a user’s registered mobile phone number through SMS. As an example, when accessing an online banking account, the bank might transmit a temporary code to the user’s phone, which must be entered on the website to complete the login process.
The significance of this security measure lies in its ability to enhance account protection beyond traditional password-based authentication. It provides an additional layer of security, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access resulting from compromised or stolen passwords. Its adoption stems from the growing need to combat phishing attempts and other online fraud. Historically, the proliferation of online services and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats have driven the widespread use of this supplementary authentication method.
